1
as in to rub
to make smooth by friction
after sawing the board in half, rasp the ends to remove any splinters
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in to annoy
to disturb the peace of mind of (someone) especially by repeated disagreeable acts
the two siblings seemed intent on rasping each other for the entire car trip
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to wear
to damage or diminish by continued friction
during the last ice age, glaciers rasped the surface, leaving the deeply scarred rock
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rasp
Andy Swift, TVLine, 29 Sep. 2025
Unfortunately, Manchis' heroic deed left the dog with damage to her vocal chords, and her bark has shifted into a low rasp, Zarate added to the outlet.
—Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025
Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 5 Aug. 2025
The Argentina legend stepped up and rasped the ball into the top corner.
—Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for rasp
Noun
Her strong, confident country voice shone through immediately in her performance of this Judds song, with just enough rasp to really give it some edge.
—Andy Swift, TVLine, 29 Sep. 2025
Unfortunately, Manchis' heroic deed left the dog with damage to her vocal chords, and her bark has shifted into a low rasp, Zarate added to the outlet.
—Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
Thrips have rasping, sucking mouthparts.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 5 Aug. 2025
The Argentina legend stepped up and rasped the ball into the top corner.
—Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for rasp
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rasp
Noun
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Purchased more than 4,000 times in the past month, the frames contain real glass that offers protection from scratches.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 Feb. 2026
-
Down below, the brick basement — once scratch storage — has been reshaped as a speakeasy‑style hangout with a tiki bar and pool table, the kind of low‑ceilinged space that practically demands blues or bluegrass, Daniel said.—
David Caraccio,
Sacbee.com,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
An effort is underway to ensure people aren't being rubbed the wrong way in the Northern California city of Citrus Heights.—
James Taylor,
CBS News,
28 Feb. 2026
-
To make the post more appealing to your cat, rub catnip on it or apply a cat pheromone product.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
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With the mixer running, add the cornstarch and kosher salt and mix well, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.—
Monti Carlo,
AJC.com,
27 Feb. 2026
-
Papa Johns had 170 restaurants in Ohio in 2025, according to the data-scraping website ScrapeHero.—
James Powel,
USA TODAY,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Maybe this will be the year when the owner stops being annoyed.—
Mike Lupica,
New York Daily News,
21 Feb. 2026
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In the statement, the zoo said the mother may have thought her baby was annoyed with Punch, which upset her.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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From that video, investigators were able to identify the man was wearing an Ozark backpack, according to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, but are still trying to identify other items and where they might have been purchased.—
Randi Kaye,
CNN Money,
24 Feb. 2026
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This is because people are wearing hats all the time—sometimes wearing one to bed.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Fennell begins on a black screen and the sound of creaks and moans.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
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Two microphones angle towards the duduk to capture resonant moans, creaks, squeaks and honks akin to the bridge’s.—
Ruby Rosenthal,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Howell also drew criticism for agreeing to a confidentiality agreement with the NFL to conceal the ruling of a collusion grievance the union had filed against the league.—
Mike Jones,
New York Times,
28 Feb. 2026
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In a show of confidence, Delrahim filed to win the Justice Department’s blessing in December — even though Paramount didn’t have a deal.—
Meg James,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Ending in a way that won’t bug you for the rest of your life.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Don’t let those small scratches bug you—just use a little Bar Keeper’s Friend to buff them out.—
Quincy Bulin,
Southern Living,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rasp.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rasp. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.
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